thomas worked for edison shwest off shore, a contractor that supports a chevron operation off the coast of nigeria. months before he had e-mailed the coordinator writing that he was feeling threatened by his own crew. he added, i am also asking to not return to nigerinigeria. >> they knew there were security issues. they knew about all the threats. >> reporter: they told you that things would improve. >> yes. >> reporter: but the problems never stopped. they did not reply to cnn's requests for comment. on the fateful trip dock workers announced over a two-way radio where the ship was going, a major security breach. >> the pirates told me they knew where we was going. they knew my cargo. they knew my position. they knew what track i was taking. >> reporter: he was taken captive beginning 18 days of hell in the nigerian jungle and swamps for him and another crew member. barely any sleep, barely any food. a package of ramen noodles the day they were fed. did you think you were going to die? >> we knew we were going to die. every day, every night. >> reporter: the pirates wanted $2 million